Mumbai, Jan 9: India will be without Tilak Varma for the opening phase of their five-match T20I series against New Zealand, after the young batter underwent testicular surgery in Rajkot on Wednesday.The BCCI confirmed that Tilak will sit out the first three games starting January 21, with his availability for the remaining fixtures dependent on his recovery milestones during rehabilitation and skill work.
Tilak featured for Hyderabad in their Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Bengal on Tuesday and later complained of discomfort. Medical scans led to immediate surgery.
According to the BCCI, he was discharged on Thursday morning, is stable, recovering well and will return to Hyderabad on Friday.
His comeback timeline now leaves a question mark over Indiaâs T20 World Cup opener against USA on February 7.
Indiaâs other group-stage matches are against Namibia (February 12), Pakistan (February 15) and Netherlands (February 18).
Tilak has been a regular in Indiaâs T20I setup, appearing in their last three series â the Asia Cup in September, the Australia T20Is in October and the South Africa tour in December.
The 21-year-old amassed 567 runs in 18 innings in 2024, averaging 47.25 with a strike rate of 129.15.
He also led Hyderabad in two 50-over games this month, scoring a century against Chandigarh and 34 against Bengal.
The selection panel has not yet announced a replacement for the New Zealand series, scheduled on January 21, 23, 25, 28 and 31.
Teams can still alter their T20 World Cup squads freely until January 31, 2026.